01
hervorrufen
to evoke / cause
To trigger or cause a particular reaction, feeling, or effect.
example
Die Rede des Politikers rief bei den Zuhörern lauten Protest hervor.
The politician's speech caused loud protest among the listeners.
hervorrufen
to evoke / cause
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Hervorrufen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'hervor-' goes to the end of the main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Sein Verhalten rief bei allen Erstaunen hervor.
His behavior caused amazement among everyone.
Word structure
The verb is made up of the prefix 'hervor' (out, forward) and 'rufen' (to call). The literal meaning is therefore to 'call something out' or to cause something to appear.
EXAMPLE
Die Nachricht rief große Freude hervor.
The news caused great joy.
Typical collocations
This verb is often combined with abstract nouns that describe a reaction or a feeling. Typical examples are: 'eine Reaktion hervorrufen' (to cause a reaction), 'Gefühle hervorrufen' (to evoke feelings), 'eine Diskussion hervorrufen' (to spark a discussion), or 'einen Eindruck hervorrufen' (to create an impression).
EXAMPLE
Der Film hat bei mir gemischte Gefühle hervorgerufen.
The film evoked mixed feelings in me.
Register and style
'Hervorrufen' belongs more to written language or a more formal style. It often sounds somewhat more elevated than other verbs with a similar meaning.
EXAMPLE
Die Studie soll neue Erkenntnisse über die Krankheit hervorrufen.
The study is intended to produce new findings about the disease.
Compare with
hervorrufen vs verhindern
to prevent
'verhindern' and 'hervorrufen' are often opposites when it comes to consequences. 'verhindern' means that an effect or event does not happen. 'hervorrufen' means that something triggers a reaction, feeling, or effect. If a measure stops a problem, it can 'verhindern' it. If a mistake triggers a problem, it can 'hervorrufen' it.
hervorrufen
Ein lautes Geräusch im Kurs ruft bei vielen Teilnehmern Unruhe hervor.
A loud noise in the course causes restlessness among many participants.
verhindern
Am Morgen verhindert der Fahrer durch schnelles Bremsen einen Unfall.
In the morning, the driver prevents an accident by braking quickly.
In real life
Loading video examples...